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Timothée Chalamet skipped fashion’s biggest night to catch a playoff game. The Dune actor ditched the 2026 Met Gala on Monday evening, opting instead for courtside seats at the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. His girlfriend Kylie Jenner attended the gala solo, turning heads in a jaw-dropping Schiaparelli gown.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Choice: Chalamet skipped the Met Gala for an NBA playoff game on May 4, 2026.
- The Game: Knicks faced the 76ers in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1 at MSG.
- Die-Hard Fan: This is Chalamet’s second consecutive year skipping the gala for Knicks playoff basketball.
- Kylie’s Moment: Jenner dazzled in an embellished Schiaparelli featuring pearl beading and faux body contours.
A True Knicks Fan’s Priorities
Timothée Chalamet has never been shy about his passion for the New York Knicks. The actor, who has attended games courtside multiple times this season, clearly views playoff basketball as equally important as high-fashion events. On Monday night at Madison Square Garden, he sat among other celebrity fans to watch the Knicks take on the 76ers in a crucial Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup. Tracy Morgan, another notable Knicks enthusiast, was spotted hanging with Chalamet during the action, and the Knicks organization quickly shared footage of their star celebrity supporter on Instagram.
In fact, Chalamet had made his priorities crystal clear even before Monday. The actor shared an Instagram Story showcasing his premium courtside view, surrounded by other dedicated fans cheering on their team. His choice resonates with true sports fans who understand that playoff games only happen once a year.
Timothée Chalamet skips Met Gala for Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden
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When Fashion Meets Basketball
While Chalamet was focused on basketball at MSG, his longtime girlfriend Kylie Jenner shined on fashion’s red carpet. The Kardashian star attended the 2026 Met Gala solo, dressed in a stunning Schiaparelli creation that captured everyone’s attention. The dress featured an embellished train covered in pearls with intricate beading work throughout. The front of the gown cleverly revealed a nude illusion corset with artistic faux details. Jenner styled her look with coordinating accessories that elevated the overall bold aesthetic.
The couple had actually spent quality time together just hours before their separate evening plans. The night captured two very different worlds colliding: high-fashion glamour and playoff basketball intensity, each representing different passions.
The Knicks vs. 76ers Eastern Conference Semifinals
| Detail | Information |
| Series | Eastern Conference Semifinals |
| Teams | New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Game 1 Date | Monday, May 4, 2026, 8:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Network | NBC and Peacock |
The Knicks entered this matchup as a strong team, hosting the 76ers in what promises to be a competitive playoff series. Game 1 represented the critical opening contest where teams attempt to establish early series dominance. For a die-hard fan like Chalamet, missing this pivotal matchup would have felt nearly impossible regardless of competing obligations.
A Pattern of Basketball Over Glamour
“Last year, Chalamet also decided to skip the gala to watch the New York Knicks playoff game against the Boston Celtics during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.”
According to Page Six
This isn’t Chalamet’s first time choosing Knicks basketball over a major fashion event. In 2025, he made an identical choice when he skipped the Met Gala earlier in the year to watch the Knicks face the Boston Celtics in their playoff matchup. At that time, he shared photos on Instagram Stories showing himself watching the game on an iPad, surrounded by friends seemingly enjoying the experience. That pattern suggests his love for the team runs deeper than simply making a one-time statement.
Will His Met Gala History Ever Change?
Timothée Chalamet has only attended the Met Gala once in his entire career, making his official debut in 2021. That year, he paired a Haider Ackermann tuxedo with sweatpants and Converse sneakers, already signaling his unconventional approach to high fashion. His January 2026 appearance at the Met Gala proved inconsistent with his actual attendance patterns. With his ongoing commitment to the Knicks and basketball playoffs, fans wonder if Chalamet will ever make another Met Gala appearance, especially during playoff season. His priorities seem crystal clear in 2026, and the Knicks remain the frontrunner in his calendar.
Sources
- Page Six – Comprehensive coverage of Chalamet skipping the Met Gala for Knicks playoff game with fashion and relationship details.
- TMZ – Real-time reporting on the actor’s courtside appearance and playoff game attendance on May 4.
- NBC Sports – Official playoff schedule and game information for Knicks vs. 76ers Eastern Conference Semifinals.
